Programming Education Report on the Implementation of Programming Education in Elementary Schools Nationwide It has been six months since programming education became mandatory—what is the current situation?
On August 20, when we asked elementary schools that had implemented programming education this school year to submit implementation reports, we received as many as 408 reports from all over Japan—even though this request was strictly voluntary.
In mid- to late November, the “most well-known programming education unit cited in the Course of Study—‘Properties of Regular Polygons’ in 5th-grade math”—will begin. Furthermore, numerous programming classes are expected to be held nationwide.
I haven’t gone through everything yet either, but for example, in the 4th-grade class at Ouda Elementary School in Uda City, Nara Prefecture,“Invention! Smart Items with the Micro:bit!”—the children reportedly developed projects in class using the Micro:bit, such as a “Homework Check Machine” that increments a number on the display every time a piece of homework passes in front of a sensor, and a “Recorder Improvement Machine” that uses a tilt sensor to measure the angle at which a student holds their recorder.
It’s truly heartening and reassuring to see that these efforts are being carried out so thoroughly, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, when things are busier than ever.
Japanese teachers really are amazing!
I wonder if the day is coming soon when Japan will become a major player in programming education.
The Future Learning Consortium’s solid support system is also wonderful.
https://miraino-manabi.jp/content/507
Professor, Keio University; Ph.D. (Policy and Media)
Director, B Lab
Chairperson, Learning of Tomorrow (General Incorporated Association)
Chairperson, CANVAS
After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, he served as a visiting researcher at the MIT Media Lab before founding the NPO CANVAS and the Learning of Tomorrow Association, a General Incorporated Association, and assuming the role of representative. He serves as an outside director for Matsuya Co., Ltd., Fuji Media Holdings, Inc., and Digital Garage, Inc.
He has served on various government committees, including the Information and Communications Council of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as well as the NHK Central Broadcasting Program Council. He also serves as a director of the Digital Signage Consortium, among other roles. He holds a Ph.D. in Policy and Media.
His publications include *Turning On Children’s Creativity!*, *What Are Smart Kids Doing on Their Smartphones?*, *The Forefront of Online Education in Japan: Considering Learning in the Post-COVID Era*,“What Is Programming Education? 45 Questions Parents Want to Know,” and “Declaration on Digital Education.” He has also provided supervision for numerous works, including “Ah, I See! Programming Education for Parents and Children Through Manga.”
